ALS Extension [CLICK HERE FOR AN ALS EXTENSION APPLICATION] Certification as an ALS makes a positive statement about an individual who meets the high standards set by the examination. An extension of the ALS certification is verification of that statement. Those who have attained certification by passing the ALS examination are encouraged to attain the ultimate benchmark of proficiency -- PLS certification.

LENGTH OF EXTENSION

To ensure continuance of the high standards set by the ALS certification, periodic reassessment is required to verify that the competencies are maintained. For ALS certification, a five-year expiration date is used to correspond to the rate at which knowledge changes.
ALS certification will be extended for one year upon completion of 15 hours of continuing education. TWO EASY STEPS TO YOUR ALS CERTIFICATION EXTENSION

1. Accumulate 15 hours of continuing education in a one-year 
   period by attending educational sessions related to topics tested 
   on the ALS and PLS examinations or any area of law.
2. Submit the appropriate ALS Extension Affidavit/Application and fee.

APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION

An application for extension must be:

• submitted within five years after the date of ALS certification for the extension;
• is for one year only;
• submitted NOT LESS THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR ALS CERTIFICATION EXPIRATION DATE OR EXTENSION DEADLINE;
• submitted on the appropriate ALS Extension Form
• accompanied by copies of supporting documentation; and
• accompanied by a check for the appropriate fee.

APPROVAL PROCESS

The process and criteria for ALS extensions are established and monitored by the NALS Certifying Board.
 
The Certifying Board retains the right to make changes in the extension process or criteria to correspond with changes in education. 
 
Changes in the extension process or criteria, if any, will be published in E-News or on the web, the official publication of NALS.
 

If the ALS has not submitted a completed ALS Extension Affidavit/Application as specified above:

• If the ALS fails to complete the extension within the 60 day period, the ALS certification status may be changed to inactive without further notice to the ALS.
• Evidence of extension of the ALS certification will be issued to applicant upon approval by the NALS Certifying Board.  Upon approval of the extension of the ALS certification, all documentation will be destroyed.

UNSATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION/APPEALS

If documentation is unsatisfactory, the applicant will be notified of unsatisfactory documentation and will have a maximum of 60 days to provide the required documentation.

If an ALS becomes certified as a PLS, the Certifying Board recommends discontinuing use of "ALS" and using "PLS" or "Certified PLS" after your name.

Any questions or appeals regarding the extension process must be sent within 60 days following notification of any rejection. Your questions or appeals must be in writing and directed to the NALS Certifying Board chair at the NALS Resource Center, 314 East 3rd Street, Suite 210, Tulsa, OK 74120.

EXTENSION MODULE CHART
(15 hours total required for extension)
(Hours may not predate certification date or any extension date)

• Postsecondary Courses. This module covers successful completion (Grade C or better) of relevant courses (courses related to the ALS/PLS exams or any area of law) at an accredited institution of higher education. Higher education institutions are generally organized into semesters-14 to 15 weeks in length providing "semester hours," or into quarters-10 to 12 weeks in length providing "quarter hours." An accredited institution refers to a college or university accredited by any nationally recognized accrediting agency. Points are calculated on the basis of 15 points per semester hour and 10 points per quarter hour. Attach copies of the transcripts or grade reports and official course descriptions to the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application.
• Seminars/Workshops Attended. This module covers attendance at conferences, seminars, workshops, chapter educational programs, etc., on topics related to the ALS/PLS exams or any area of law. Minimum length of 30 minutes is required. Credit may be obtained for watching videotapes or listening to audiotapes on relevant topics. One hour equals 1 point. Except for topics related to the ALS/PLS exams, credit is not available for personal development/motivational programs or for sessions providing information about the ALS/PLS exams. Attach copies of the certificates of attendance or other documentation confirming participation in the program to the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application. To request points for watching a videotape or listening to an audiotape, complete Section A of the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application.
• Seminars/Workshops Taught. This module covers teaching at conferences, seminars, workshops, chapter educational programs, etc., on topics related to the ALS/PLS exams or any area of law. Minimum length of 30 minutes is required. One teaching hour equals 4 points, which includes credit for preparation and presentation time. Except for topics related to the ALS/PLS exams, credit is not available for personal development/motivational programs or for sessions providing information about the ALS/PLS exams. Attach copies of documentation confirming teaching to the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application OR complete Section B of the form.Certifications. This module covers successful completion of certifications, other than ALS certification, such as PLS, Certified Legal Assistant, CPS, specialty certifications, etc., based on  20 points per certification. Attach copies of the certificates to the ALS Extension  Affidavit/Application. 
• Petitions. Complete Section C of the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application, and attach documentation verifying participation. This module covers:
• Publications.   Writing articles covering topics related to the 
  ALS/PLS exams or any area of law will be considered-five 
  points per article maximum. Other publications will be considered 
  on a case-by-case basis.
• Other.   Participation in activities not included in the above modules 
  will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

[To determine topics that are related to the ALS/PLS exams, refer to the ALS Resource Manual or the PLS Resource Manual study guides.]

Complete the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application, attaching to the form any necessary documentation, certificates, etc. The ALS Extension Affidavit/Application serves as a cover letter to ensure proper routing when received by NALS.